February 2020 Review and Status

March 7, 2020June 6, 2020 by Cindy Rae

So, a review of February:

A review: a screenshot of Ep1, Part 4 outline of Salvage

Thankfully, I experienced productive writing time in February. I’m drafting part 4 of episode 1 of Salvage — nearing the end! I’ve also “leveled up” in writing craft, gaining a better sense of story development.

In personal news, I’m ramping up to return to software development full-time over at Code Onward. I’m hoping circumstances will allow me to pursue both creative pursuits — writing and development — in full force.

The cold winter is easing; the tulips and daffodils and surprise lilies are poking up green shoots. Can’t wait until the first blooms!

February 25, 2020January 25, 2020 by Cindy Rae

Pomodoro Timers

Visualize Your Novel: Mind Mapping

February 11, 2020February 8, 2020 by Cindy Rae

If you are visually-oriented and producing a novel, you may find this visual tour of ways to design and develop your story helpful.

Part 1 of this series covers mind maps, with examples and links to beneficial resources.

Mind-Mapping

Visually brainstorm story ideas, characters, plot, outline, and more, unconstrained by ordering or structuring

Character Details

From the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Library

You can explore character details

Source

Characters, Quick

Wikipedia, My Antonia

A quick, fast way to brainstorm characters and relationships for your story

Source

Hand-crafted Story Map

From Caroline Lawrence via Biggerplate

For some of us by hand is quicker than software. It also allows for more flexibility in colors, curves, and more.

Source

Detailed Story Map

From Iain Broome

Map the story in detail, even adding clipart or photos if you wish.

Source

By Reader Journey, Per Chapter

From Biggerplate

If you’re chapter-oriented in your thinking, consider the reader impact you want each chapter to have.

Source

Map Your Scene

From Sina Ghaffarnejad’s digital portfolio

Brainstorm your individual scenes

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Mind Mapping Can Help Organize Your Writing Process

Covers different kinds of maps and briefly how to use them.

A Guide to Storytelling with Mind Maps

Specific cases from idea brainstorming to defeating writer’s block to adding layers and context.

How to Mind Map a Novel Plot

Got a half-baked idea for a novel? This article will help.

How to Mind Map

A detailed beginner’s guide to mind mapping. Generalized.

The best mind map software of 2020

Tech Radar’s take on the best software for mind mapping.

February 5, 2020December 3, 2019 by Cindy Rae

https://austinkleon.com/newsletter/

January 28, 2020January 25, 2020 by Cindy Rae

Cliché Finder

More Multi-Genre Authors (Part 2)

January 16, 2020June 6, 2020 by Cindy Rae

Ever hear the advice to concentrate on one genre? While that has its benefits, don’t be afraid to try to write across genres. You’d be in good company.

Here’s more multi-genre authors:

Continue reading →